Soft crispy roasted potatoes

Section: Perfect Appetizers and Side Dishes

These roasted potatoes offer a delightful contrast of soft, fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. Tossed in a seasoned olive oil blend, they achieve great flavor and texture when spread in a single layer and baked at 425°F. Using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes enhances crispiness while maintaining a creamy center. Optional pre-boiling or soaking steps can further improve texture and remove excess starch. Ideal as a versatile side dish, these potatoes can also be prepared in an air fryer for convenience.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:41:33 GMT
A bowl of roasted potatoes. Bookmark
A bowl of roasted potatoes. | imaninthekitchen.com

These roasted potatoes are soft and fluffy on the inside and extra crispy on the outside. Tossed in a flavorful seasoning blend, they make a perfect side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Whether you bake them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer, they turn out golden and delicious with minimal effort.

I first made these potatoes for a family dinner, and they instantly became a favorite. The crispy outside and tender inside never fail to impress guests or satisfy a hungry family.

Ingredients

  • Yukon Gold potatoes: ideal for roasting because they get crispy outside but stay creamy inside
  • Russet potatoes: great for super crispy edges thanks to their starchiness
  • Red potatoes: hold their shape well and add a waxy firmness to the dish
  • Olive oil: helps the seasoning stick and promotes crisping
  • Garlic powder: adds savory depth to the flavor
  • Paprika: provides a mild smoky note you can choose smoked paprika for extra complexity
  • Onion powder: enhances overall taste
  • Salt: use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor
  • Freshly ground black pepper: adds mild heat and brightness

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
This recipe does not require sautéing, but to boost flavors, you can lightly toast the dry seasonings in the olive oil before tossing the potatoes, making the flavor more aromatic.
Prepare the Potatoes:
Cut potatoes into even one inch pieces to ensure they roast uniformly. If you want an extra creamy interior with a crispy crust, parboil the potatoes briefly by submerging them in water with a pinch of baking soda and salt, boiling until just tender, then draining and drying thoroughly.
Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the potato pieces thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Adding a little cornstarch to the mix can help create an even crispier crust.
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the potatoes in a single, even layer on a lightly greased baking sheet or parchment paper. Make sure the potatoes are not crowded to allow hot air circulation, which is essential for crispiness.
Roast in the Oven:
Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through cooking, use a spatula to toss and turn the potatoes for even browning. You may adjust the time slightly depending on how crispy or soft you prefer them.
Serve:
Sprinkle a touch of salt right before serving to preserve the crunch. These potatoes are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven.
A bowl of roasted potatoes.
A bowl of roasted potatoes. | imaninthekitchen.com

My favorite ingredient has to be paprika because it adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the potato’s natural flavor. One memorable family dinner had everyone reaching for seconds, praising how the spice blend made these potatoes irresistible.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a 350 degree oven for five to seven minutes to regain the crispiness. Microwaving will heat quickly but may make them a bit soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, feel free to use red potatoes or fingerlings for a different texture. Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil or even melted butter for richness. Paprika can be replaced with chili powder or smoked salt for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes are a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley on top right before serving for added brightness and color. They also make a great base for loaded potato bowls with cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits.

Roasted potatoes with herbs on top.
Roasted potatoes with herbs on top. | imaninthekitchen.com

These roasted potatoes are easy to make and endlessly adaptable. Serve them hot for best texture and flavor.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of potatoes are best for roasting?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work best due to their balance of starch and moisture, yielding a crispy exterior and fluffy inside.

→ Should I boil potatoes before roasting them?

Boiling is optional. It softens the interior and, combined with roasting, can create an extra crisp outside by reducing roasting time.

→ What temperature is ideal for roasting potatoes?

Roasting at 425°F gives a crispy exterior and tender interior; lowering the temperature increases cooking time.

→ How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Soaking potatoes in cold water before roasting to remove starch, patting them dry, using cornstarch in the seasoning, and avoiding overcrowding on the baking sheet all help achieve crispiness.

→ Can these potatoes be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, these potatoes adapt well to air frying for a quicker, yet similarly crispy result.

→ How should leftover roasted potatoes be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes for best texture.

Soft crispy roasted potatoes

Tender and crispy potatoes roasted with a flavorful seasoning blend for a perfect side dish.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Appetizers & Sides

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: American

Portions: 4 Serves (4 servings)

Diet Preferences: Vegan-Friendly, Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free, No Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Potatoes

01 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Seasoning

02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
06 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for finishing

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting.

Step 02

Combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 03

Add the cut potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 04

Spread the potatoes in a single, even layer on a lightly greased baking sheet to ensure even roasting.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping and redistributing the potatoes halfway through to promote crispness.

Step 06

Once golden and crispy, remove from oven, season with additional salt to taste, and serve immediately.

Additional Notes

  1. For extra crispy results, soak cut potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes before cooking and pat them completely dry.
  2. Microwaving potatoes until just tender offers a shortcut to achieve fluffy interiors with crispy exteriors.
  3. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure proper airflow and prevent steaming.

Must-Have Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Oven mitts
  • Spatula

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g